The Plaza de Mercado de Paloquemao is one of Bogotá’s most important markets for fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy, flowers, and much more. It was founded in 1946, and has been in its current location since 1967. Pawel, a friend from Poland, was gracious enough to let me borrow some of the beautiful images he captured of the market and the people that work there. Take a look…

Welcome to Paloquemao market

José, holding a guanabana, has been working in Paloquemao for 25 years. He inherited the business from his father.

Tomate de árbol a.k.a tree tomato or tamarillo is native to Andean countries like Colombia.

Bananas sold by Rodrigo. For 1 USD you can get as many as 20 pieces.

Cubios - a small root vegetable from Cundinamarca and Boyacá.

Six varieties of potatoes are sold at this stall, including papa pastusa, sabanera and criolla - the 3 needed to make ajiaco!

Jorge (left) has been selling platanos/plantains at the Plaza for 32 years! They are used green or ripe depending on the dish.

German sells all kinds of herbs! For just a quarter dollar, he can sell you an armful of peppermint, lemon balm, chamomile, lemon grass and basil.

Catfish from the Magdalena River

Mojarra - usually served on the coast. fried whole and served with coconut rice and patacones (fried plantains).

Business as usual for butcher's at Paloquemao.

Fresh eggs from happy hens.

Beautiful quail eggs

Flowers at Paloquemao

If you have a chance to visit the market while you are in Bogotá, then do. Remember, the earlier the better and you can get a typical breakfast and fresh fruit juice at one of the many food stalls in the market while you’re there. Try going with Mike’s Bogotá Bike tours or just jump in a cab and go to: